Fort Worth Foundations Unite to Launch Morningside Parent Engagement Project

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Miles Foundation has partnered with leading Fort Worth-based foundations Rainwater Charitable Foundation and The Morris Foundation to launch the Morningside Parent Engagement Project. The Project is accepting applications now through June 17, 2014.

The Morningside Engagement Project will encourage and support nonprofit organizations seeking to increase meaningful parent engagement and education efforts in Fort Worth's Morningside neighborhood. With a population of 16,000, approximately 70% of Morningside's residents live below the poverty level.¹  

The Project will focus on parental engagement and education efforts targeting children ages 0-5. Understanding that parents are the first and most formative teachers of their children, the Project will strive to promote parent engagement in early childhood education. Top priority and consideration will be given to organizations that 1) use research-based methods, 2) target parents who do not have children enrolled in established pre-K centers, or 3) target prenatal mothers.

"This is a unique opportunity to make an impact in a critical area of Fort Worth," said Jay McCall, Senior Programs Officer for The Miles Foundation. "We look forward to partnering with local organizations that can help equip Morningside's next generation for success."

The Miles, Rainwater and Morris Foundations have held two informational sessions to share further details about the Morningside Parent Engagement Project's goals and application requirements.  The United Way of Tarrant County has been instrumental in promoting the Morningside Project, hosting the informational meetings and spreading the word to its local network.

"Putting this program together really has been a collaborative effort," said Grant Coates, President and CEO of The Miles Foundation. "We are proud to team with these foundations and local organizations to find innovative ways to help the Morningside community thrive."

For more information, visit www.morningsideparents.org.

About the Foundation

The Miles Foundation endeavors to honor the legacy of its founder, Ellison Miles, through the support of institutions that offer innovative programs related to education, economic opportunity and leadership development. Mr. Miles demonstrated a passion for these subjects throughout his life, and The Miles Foundation remains solely focused on ensuring the next generation's success in these areas today. The Miles Foundation seeks to inspire individuals eager to learn, grow, and contribute to the betterment of their communities and country. To learn more, visit www.milesfdn.org.

¹ City-data.com, 2011.

SOURCE The Miles Foundation